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HEMC: The Multifunctional "Magician" of Water-Based Systems

Abstract: Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC) is a water-soluble polymer obtained by etherification modification of natural cellulose. With its excellent thickening, water-retention, film-forming, dispersing, and stabilizing properties, it has become an indispensable "industrial MSG" in modern industry.

Plastering

  1. Basic Introduction

HEMC is produced by the etherification reaction of cellulose from refined cotton or wood pulp with ethylene oxide and Methyl chloride under alkaline conditions. Both hydroxyethyl (-CH₂CH₂OH) and methyl (-CH₃) groups are introduced into its molecular chain. This unique molecular structure endows it with the characteristics of being soluble in cold water and possessing a certain degree of salt resistance.

 

  1. Key Properties

 

  • Thickening Properties: HEMCcan significantly increase the viscosity of aqueous solutions, and the viscosity increases with increasing concentration. Its solutions are typically pseudoplastic, i.e., shear-thinning (thinning upon stirring and recovering upon rest).

 

  • Water Retention: This is its most important characteristic in building materials (such as putty and mortar). It effectively prevents water from evaporating too quickly or being absorbed by the substrate, ensuring that hydraulic materials such as cement have sufficient time to fully hydrate, thus guaranteeing strength and quality.

 

  • Film Formation: HEMCaqueous solutions can form transparent, tough films.

 

  • Surface Activity: It has colloidal protective properties and emulsifying capabilities.

 

  • pH Stability: Its solutions are very stable within a pH range of 3-11.

 

 

  1. Main Application Areas

 

  • Building Materials: wall Putty, tile adhesive, plastering mortar, self-leveling cement, gypsum products, etc., mainly serving to retain water,thicken, and improve workability.FWD Offer series of different viscosity of HEMC, from 11000 to 70000 Viscosity (Brookfield, mPas, 2%), widely used for tile adhesive, such as HEMC ME 100EA & HEMC ME 200DX for C1 or C2 tile adhesive.

 

  • In coatings: It is used as a thickener and leveling agent in water-based latex paints to prevent pigment sedimentation and improve the brushing feel.Such as FWD HEMC ME 100MS & HEMC ME 150MS

 

  • Daily Chemicals: In shampoos, shower gels, and skin care products, it acts as a thickener and stabilizer.Such as FWD HEMC ME 200MS.

 

  • Pharmaceutical industry: Used as a binder and sustained-release agent in tablets, and as a thickener in eye drops.

 

For more details, please visit www.fwdnewtech.com or contact us at info@fwdnewtech.com.